AMBYTH ESTATE

Phillip and Mary Hart came to Paso Robles with the intention to retire, but have since ended up launching a full-blown farming operation. They’ve kept the staff intentionally small, recently welcoming the Hart’s oldest son Gelert and his wife Robyn to the team. In doing so, they raised the grand total of employees to four-five if you count grandma.

VINEYARDS

Their 40-acre plot of land in Templeton hosts hillsides of vines, olive groves, and woods. 20 acres are dedicated to Rhône varieties, all of which are dry farmed. Olive trees demarcate the slopes by variety save for the Playground vineyard, which is a mixed planting of Mourvèdre, Grenache, Syrah, Carignan, Counoise, and Roussanne. Biodynamic agriculture was instituted from the outset and all preparations and compost are made on site with the help of the farm’s cows. Sheep and one llama named Scarlett provide extra fertilizer and are naturals at pruning.

WINES

The panel was impressed with the Mourvèdre Rosé 2013 (SLOW WINE) and its spice-driven, berry fruit character. Another standout was the Maiestas 2012, a blend of Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre with balsamic and anise tones. The wines often undergo extended bottle aging before release and as a result show well-developed aromas and flavors in the consumer’s glass.